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WATKINS GLEN, NY – October 12, 2017 — On Thursday La Bourgade On Seneca opened its doors to the public for the grand opening of Seneca Lake’s first-ever tiny house community. More than 80 attendees enjoyed self-guided tours of the rental community’s unique homes, as well as light hors d'oeuvres and wine from nearby Atwater Vineyard.

Designed and built by Bruno Schickel — also the builder and owner of Boiceville Cottages in Brooktondale, New York — La Bourgade On Seneca will be home to 40 rental homes of approximately one thousand square feet. Currently nine are built.

Owner and builder Bruno Schickel said, “I’m very pleased with the public’s response to date. Six homes are already rented, and the new residents are very excited to live here. La Bourgade has small homes but big views. From the first moment you drive into La Bourgade, you have a beautiful view of Seneca Lake.”

The grand opening was a celebration of the rental homes, and new community and fitness center — known as the “Meeting House” — that Schickel and his construction crew just built.

The Meeting House is designed to act as a third space for residents — a central meeting point to foster community and give residents extra space to host events and parties for themselves. The rental cottages average 950 square feet, and the Meeting House on its own can fit nearly 75 guests.

Free and open 24/7 for everyday use, the Meeting House features full kitchen facilities, work spaces, relaxing couches, cable television, free Wifi, and gym equipment. Schickel designed the Meeting House with community in mind and installed the residents’ mailboxes at its entrance, too.

“Winters can be tough in upstate, so a mail room indoors is just a good idea — and a good excuse to meet your neighbors,” said Schickel.

At the grand opening Schickel and his wife Amy Dickinson, local writer “Ask Amy” spoke to the crowd of 80 about choosing Hector as the site of the new rental community.

Dickinson said, “On our very first drive together, Bruno took me to Seneca Lake. I grew up in Freeville — Bruno and I both grew up on dairy farms — and I’d never been to Seneca Lake. Bruno brought me over here, and kept pointing out these amazing vistas and talking about European hillside villages. I have to say, Mr. Major, Bruno used Hector to seduce me, and it worked! We’ve been married almost 10 years. Little did I know at that time, though I do know now, every single thing that Bruno says that he'll do, he does. And La Bourgade is case in point. I remember when we first walked down the site [at La Bourgade], I couldn't believe it, and within a year, it's been transformed. We're very excited to be members of the community and so happy to be here in Hector.”